My mom was going through all of Emilynn's face with her saying things like "Here's your eyes, what are they for?" Emilynn would say "to see", ears to "hear", etc. When mom asked her what her nose was for she quickly replied, "That's where my boogers live."
Nice. I think she lives around too many boys for sure! I thought it was a clever response despite the grossness of it and too cute not to share! :-) Sorry if it's offensive. She's just 3.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Do You Put God First?
You know how God puts things on your heart sometimes? Like maybe you keep getting subtle hints about a certain thing or keep running into information on a topic? That has really happened to me lately on the subject of putting God first, and spending time in his word. First of all, I read a blog post on a site I follow where the author was surprised at how many Christians have not read the Bible completely through. Wow. I'm ashamed to say I'm one of those people. I have always started plans to read the Bible through and then lose steam after a while. How lame, right? I have had the B90 plan for a while now, the plan to read the Bible through in 90 days. I have prayed about doing this, but truly didn't want to "fail" again at a Bible reading plan so I haven't started it. Lame again! I have recently read about people copying the Bible, and I think that may be something I try to do a little at a time to help me remember more scripture. At any rate, I MUST do better. How can I defend a Bible I haven't completely read? I read God's word each day, but I need to read the whole book, cover to cover. How come the latest Nora Roberts book keeps me up at night, but the word of God doesn't? I have learned that in order to put God first, I need to read his word with the same passion and excitement I have when I read the latest bestseller.
I also read the following question- "When you have a few extra minutes in your day, do you spend it with God in prayer or reading scripture, or do you turn to Facebook, blogs, internet browsing, t.v., etc.?" Hmmm.....got me again. I am not on Facebook, but I do love blogs. I will say that I am purposely not on Facebook because I know myself. I know it is a temptation too great for me, it would take SO much of my time that needs to be spent elsewhere. I am nosey and I should not be. I do not need to know what everyone is doing at all times, and I am at peace with the decision I have made to not be on Facebook. I truly do not wish I was on there. I also don't have a data package type phone because honestly, I'm too frugal to spend $30 extra per month to be on the internet all the time. I really don't need to be on it when I'm not at home. Seriously. I don't watch much t.v. unless it's a show on Sprout, Disney Junior, or Nick Jr. What I do have trouble with is blogs. I love reading them. I also enjoy surfing the Internet at times. I will have to really monitor my screen time for sure and think about how I'm spending my time. Even though I may only read stuff about becoming a better mom, Christian homemaking, cooking, etc., good things can even be bad if it is taking away precious time from your family and other responsibilities, and most importantly, God.
I feel like God has purposely put these questions and readings in my path recently to send me a message. I don't always put God first, and I should. I WILL do better. I know that I may be the only "God" people see. If they know I am a Christian, they will look at how I live my life and see how I react to situations and see if I truly put God first. I hope soon that answer will be undoubtly, "Yes, she does!".
I also read the following question- "When you have a few extra minutes in your day, do you spend it with God in prayer or reading scripture, or do you turn to Facebook, blogs, internet browsing, t.v., etc.?" Hmmm.....got me again. I am not on Facebook, but I do love blogs. I will say that I am purposely not on Facebook because I know myself. I know it is a temptation too great for me, it would take SO much of my time that needs to be spent elsewhere. I am nosey and I should not be. I do not need to know what everyone is doing at all times, and I am at peace with the decision I have made to not be on Facebook. I truly do not wish I was on there. I also don't have a data package type phone because honestly, I'm too frugal to spend $30 extra per month to be on the internet all the time. I really don't need to be on it when I'm not at home. Seriously. I don't watch much t.v. unless it's a show on Sprout, Disney Junior, or Nick Jr. What I do have trouble with is blogs. I love reading them. I also enjoy surfing the Internet at times. I will have to really monitor my screen time for sure and think about how I'm spending my time. Even though I may only read stuff about becoming a better mom, Christian homemaking, cooking, etc., good things can even be bad if it is taking away precious time from your family and other responsibilities, and most importantly, God.
I feel like God has purposely put these questions and readings in my path recently to send me a message. I don't always put God first, and I should. I WILL do better. I know that I may be the only "God" people see. If they know I am a Christian, they will look at how I live my life and see how I react to situations and see if I truly put God first. I hope soon that answer will be undoubtly, "Yes, she does!".
Monday, June 24, 2013
A tip for life with multiples-re-pack your bags as soon as you get home
Something I have learned that has made my life SO much easier, is to re-pack the diaper bag, emergency bag, etc. as soon as I return home from something. At the latest I will re-stock it the very next morning. This has truly helped me tremendously in many ways. For one, it is much easier to re-pack the bag when it is fresh in my mind what we used up. For instance, sometimes maybe only one child needed a new shirt, so I am able to just get one shirt for Carson and the bag is ready again. If I wait, I will forget who needed what, and have to take everything out, do inventory, and re-stock. That takes so much more time than I have when we need to go somewhere!
This also helps when you are leaving to go somewhere. You can just grab your bags and go. You don't have to take 15 or 20 minutes packing bags and trying to figure what you will need. I used to always have to spend time thinking about what I needed, and run around like a crazy person gathering everything up in addition to getting myself and the kids ready. Of course Dustin helps tremendously, usually I can give him the clothes and he dresses the kids. At any rate, it just saves so much time and makes so much more sense to keep bags packed.
I will of course have to add milk bottles or sippy cups or whatever cold items I need to take along.
The emergency bag I'm referring to is another great thing to have. We keep a bag in the car at all time stocked with diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes for each of the children. It has been a lifesaver. It's also great knowing I have those extra items if we just want to run get ice cream or something and not bring a whole diaper bag. You should just check it every so often to make sure the clothes are the proper size and season if you don't use it often. We never have that problem! You can also keep empty bottles, powdered formula, and bottled water to make bottles if that is the season of life you are in.
Of course, you can always stop and grab items if you need to-so don't fret if you forget something! I have had to buy milk, formula, diapers, juice, and baby food that I've forgotten when going somewhere and it was just fine.
This also helps when you are leaving to go somewhere. You can just grab your bags and go. You don't have to take 15 or 20 minutes packing bags and trying to figure what you will need. I used to always have to spend time thinking about what I needed, and run around like a crazy person gathering everything up in addition to getting myself and the kids ready. Of course Dustin helps tremendously, usually I can give him the clothes and he dresses the kids. At any rate, it just saves so much time and makes so much more sense to keep bags packed.
I will of course have to add milk bottles or sippy cups or whatever cold items I need to take along.
The emergency bag I'm referring to is another great thing to have. We keep a bag in the car at all time stocked with diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes for each of the children. It has been a lifesaver. It's also great knowing I have those extra items if we just want to run get ice cream or something and not bring a whole diaper bag. You should just check it every so often to make sure the clothes are the proper size and season if you don't use it often. We never have that problem! You can also keep empty bottles, powdered formula, and bottled water to make bottles if that is the season of life you are in.
Of course, you can always stop and grab items if you need to-so don't fret if you forget something! I have had to buy milk, formula, diapers, juice, and baby food that I've forgotten when going somewhere and it was just fine.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Cleaning out the car
The kids and I got the oil changed yesterday and deep cleaned our car. For anyone who knows us, you know what a major undertaking this was. I think we had a foot of food, crumbs, toys, etc. built up in there. It was beyond gross. Carson and I were soaking wet with sweat while cleaning. It is nice and cleaned now though. Here is what we got out of the back..... the usual stuff plus stuff I had no idea was in there. I always find the list interesting....so I thought you might too!
- jumper cables
- 31 bag with car stuff- GPS, phone book, tape, pens, and other stuff I may need while out
- 31 double casserole carrier
- 31 "trash" can
- 2 diaper bag backpacks full- no idea why I had 2 complete diaper bags in the car
- 1 backpack of toys- Emmy's
- 7 pairs of kids' shoes
- case of water
- case of juice boxes
- 2 tupperware bowls with lids
- sweater (mine)
- sweatshirt (Dustin)
- 2 jackets (Henry)
- Carson's heavy winter jacket
- too many toys to count
- 31 thermal family sized tote
- bag of things I bought at consignment last week (more shoes, swim shirts)
- baby's fleece sleeper
- bag of reusable bags for shopping
- travel potty
- sippy cup- ewwwww!
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Staples Update
Carson got his staples out Friday, and he did amazing! He only crinkled his face up a little and never cried! I was so proud of him! It probably helped that the nurse had given him a "john deere" popsicle (green one) to eat while she worked. He had said he didn't want them out, he needed them for his boo-boo in his head. He was proud though once they were out. He immediately told Emmy he got his staples out and was showing off the spot. I'm glad that experience is behind us!
Monday, June 17, 2013
Relay For Life
Saturday was this year's Relay For Life event for our community. I love participating in this event as I have had so many people in my life touched by cancer, many still ongoing. It is a nasty disease that knows no age, race, religion, or gender. Our team worked SO hard preparing our "world famous" Poppy's BBQ for sale. It was our 5th year making BBQ to sell for the event and I'll have to say, we have our procedures down to a science. My dad and sister are our fearless leaders and they know exactly how to set up the tables, the food line, etc. I really enjoy serving food and seeing all our old and new friends alike. This year was a bit different in that Dustin & my brother-in-law Wayne were unable to help us at all. They were both working because of the Derecho storms or whatever they were that hit the East coast. Bummer! I had 4 straight days of the kids myself, with no Daddy. Everyone usually pitches in to help me, but of course there are many hours when Dustin would normally help me and no one else could. Bedtime, for example, is rough by yourself. I compare it to the "Whack a Mole" game. I get one kid to lay down, the other pops up across the room. I get that kid back down to find the one I just left back up again. It can get crazy. I am glad it is over! We finally get Daddy back today after work! Yay!
Back to Relay, I honestly have no idea how much our county or team made. Our county usually raises about $50,000 give or take per year. Our team total varies, but I know we did well and sold almost every bit of BBQ. My sister and I have decided we should hit the road in a food truck! Haha! Can you get carseats in those things? :-)
As for Relay day, it was tiring and fun, and as always-emotional. I had the kids with me for the evening part of the day. I did have to take a few people's money with Henry on my hip. My sister Madison kept the kids for the morning thank goodness, and then they made it through the rest of the night. They bounces in the bouncy house a ton, played with friends, and Carson even walked a whole lap by himself! He was so cute slowly making his way around. My uncle Jimmy who has been battling brain cancer was able to make it for a few hours, and I cried when the fire department brought him in on the fire truck. He said it was his last ride in the truck, but you know, only God knows if that was really the case. It was truly touching to see the department rally around him and make his day so special. I know he enjoyed it so much, and he even drove a golf cart around the track (which he totally should not have done-I think he got away from them!).
All in all, it was a special and touching day. I am glad we were a part of it for the 5th year in a row. It was hard to explain to the kids why we were there, except that we were raising money for sick people. Carson said, "Sick in their tummy, mom?" I said, "yeah, kind of." I think for their age, that is enough understanding for now.
Maybe one day I won't have to try to explain what cancer is to my children.
Back to Relay, I honestly have no idea how much our county or team made. Our county usually raises about $50,000 give or take per year. Our team total varies, but I know we did well and sold almost every bit of BBQ. My sister and I have decided we should hit the road in a food truck! Haha! Can you get carseats in those things? :-)
As for Relay day, it was tiring and fun, and as always-emotional. I had the kids with me for the evening part of the day. I did have to take a few people's money with Henry on my hip. My sister Madison kept the kids for the morning thank goodness, and then they made it through the rest of the night. They bounces in the bouncy house a ton, played with friends, and Carson even walked a whole lap by himself! He was so cute slowly making his way around. My uncle Jimmy who has been battling brain cancer was able to make it for a few hours, and I cried when the fire department brought him in on the fire truck. He said it was his last ride in the truck, but you know, only God knows if that was really the case. It was truly touching to see the department rally around him and make his day so special. I know he enjoyed it so much, and he even drove a golf cart around the track (which he totally should not have done-I think he got away from them!).
All in all, it was a special and touching day. I am glad we were a part of it for the 5th year in a row. It was hard to explain to the kids why we were there, except that we were raising money for sick people. Carson said, "Sick in their tummy, mom?" I said, "yeah, kind of." I think for their age, that is enough understanding for now.
Maybe one day I won't have to try to explain what cancer is to my children.
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Staples-a family first
We had our first accident involving a major skin laceration over the weekend. Yep, we had our first experience with skin staples. Carson, my child who fears all medical incidents including tooth brushing, was our first to have to be "sewn up" if you will. Sunday we had such a nice, lazy afternoon after church. The kids were rough housing/wrestling with Dustin on the floor, when Carson fell and hit his head on a toy hay baler- plastic! He cried immediately and when he sat up blood literally spurted out of his head and Dustin caught that in his hands. We quickly applied pressure and got him calm so we could access the situation. It was very deep and clear we needed to go somewhere. Chaos ensued a little, as we made arrangements for the other kids and grabbed what we needed for Carson. Poor guy was crying the whole time saying he didn't want to go. We went to our local KidMed (local meaning, 45 minutes away!). We were quickly ushered in and within minutes Carson had a green popsicle- I think the nurse won him over at that point because he tolerated everything very well. He did amazing considering what he had to go through and the way he hates anything medical. They put a topical anesthetic on his cut to numb it before the shots to really numb it. After that was in effect, in came the team. The doctor and another boy to hold his head (not sure if he was a nurse or what), and the nurse. They used the papoose thing to secure him-which is a nice way of pretty much saying "straight jacket". Dustin had to hold his body, the "boy" held his face and I was at his face trying to comfort him and wipe his tears. The regular nurse was assisting the doctor and handing me tissues as needed. He got a ton of shots in and around the wound to numb it, then had 5 staples put in. I have to say, I was able to see the cut when it was all cleaned up before staples, and it was deep! With your skull, I was surprised you could get cut so deep. It's a wonder he didn't hit bone. With a little plastic toy-amazing. After his staples, he was able to get more popsicles! I think he had 3 while there. He said when we were leaving that he liked the place.....I wouldn't have liked it even with popsicles! To be restrained like that would be awful I think. What a brave boy we have! This week he's been so cute saying " Sissy, I had to get staples in my head." or, "Watch my boo-boo" while pointing to his head. After the ordeal, we asked him what he wanted for supper- and he chose cheese sticks. We headed to TGI Friday's where he ate 2 orders of cheese sticks and part of Dustin's steak! I guess he worked up an appetite at the doctor's office.
I will again say- I love the after hours kid's clinic. It is awesome! They get you in and out and you don't have to sit in the E.R. and be around all kinds of sickness, or wait 45 minutes for discharge papers. It's so nice to get in and out and have t.v.s for kids to watch cartoons while they wait, eat popsicles, etc.!
We go tomorrow to get the staples out, so we'll see how that goes! I have a feeling more popsicles are in our future!!!
I will again say- I love the after hours kid's clinic. It is awesome! They get you in and out and you don't have to sit in the E.R. and be around all kinds of sickness, or wait 45 minutes for discharge papers. It's so nice to get in and out and have t.v.s for kids to watch cartoons while they wait, eat popsicles, etc.!
We go tomorrow to get the staples out, so we'll see how that goes! I have a feeling more popsicles are in our future!!!
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Blogging
I am not on social networks. Well, except Pinterest if that counts because I LOVE looking for ideas on there. I do love blogging though and have many blogs I read daily. I just feel you learn so much about people through blogging and also just learn so much in general. One blog friend even picked up a Christmas gift I needed for Henry this year and mailed it to me- so nice and something I really appreciated! I read mostly Christian mothering blogs, plus some about food, the environment, and just things I am passionate about. I wonder at times where this blog is going or what "category" it falls in. I began blogging as a way for family and friends to keep up with the twins and our day to day happenings. That way people could read if they chose, skip it if they didn't. I've found over the past few years I also enjoy posting about life with multiples in general, not just our family happenings. I've also started sharing a few money saving tips because I am passionate about being a good steward of the resources God has given us. I also am passionate about families saving money so one parent can be home with the children if that is their desire. I love to cook, so I will probably share more recipes. Many blogs give weekly menu plans, I don't know if I will start doing that as well, but we'll see. I do menu plan, so I may. It is really neat to look and see how many people are reading the blog and where from. Anyway, I guess this is a post to let you know the direction I'm heading. I will still post our family happenings, along with some recipes, frugal family tips, maybe menus, and book reviews. And of course-parenting multiples and multiple small children!!! Glad you are joining us on this crazy journey!
Saturday, June 8, 2013
Cheap entertainment- Automatic Car Wash
I am always looking for fun, frugal things to do with the kids. I love to surprise them with fun things to do when they aren't expecting it. As I was pumping gas the other day, it asked me if I wanted a car wash. I automatically hit no, and went on pumping. The wheels were turning though. I remember my cousin Rebecca asking me if I had taken the kids through the automatic car wash. I had never even thought of it. I glance over at my previously dark gray Yukon, which was now a brilliant shade of yellow/green with pollen. Hmmm....maybe we could justify a car wash. After I finished getting gas, I headed over to the car wash area and paid for the $4 basic wash. The kids were full of questions, where are we going, what are we doing, etc. etc. I told them it was a car wash, which they didn't fully grasp until the water jets started up. Then the squealing, laughing, and screams ensued. They loved it and thought it was so much fun. They asked if I would open the windows- ummmm NO! Then when it was done they wanted to do it again. They were very disappointed when we could only go once. Dustin certainly got an earful when he got home, and I must say, my car looked pretty sharp until it was pollen-covered again (the next day). I think it was $4 well spent. :-)
Friday, June 7, 2013
Beach Prep with Multiples
I know I've talked about the beach a lot on here. I have to say, I'm slightly excited!!! We have not been on a vacation in 3 years. I have to be honest, taking kids in the midst of terrible twos and getting into everything was NOT my idea of a vacation at all. The twins are finally old enough to not get into every single thing and they know a lot more boundaries, so I think we are ready for a vacation! I can handle Henry- one child exploring is much easier to handle than two. Just saying! I am still planning to take outlet plug-in things to put in the outlets at our beach rental. I think that is all the stuff I'm taking for baby proofing, I hope it will be enough. We'll see. There is a Walmart close by if something is needed last minute.
We last went to the beach when the twins were 6 months old, and again at 9 months. I have to say, I am MUCH more laid back now about planning vacation. Here are some tips that helped me though in the earlier days- in case you are a mom of multiples reading!
The 6 month trip was totally different from the 9 month trip for various reasons. At 6 months, the twins were still on solely formula for feedings. I packed all their bottles and formula, and water. We took their pack and plays for sleeping, a few toys and one exercauser, and that was it. It was pretty easy. Except on the actual beach, my Dad had to set up his huge tent we use for ball games to keep the babies in the shade. Still, it was pretty easy overall. Dustin was with me and actually kept them in the condo a lot for naps, etc. and let me get a few breaks to the pool/ocean alone. The funny thing was, when we got to the condo and were sorting out bedrooms, Dustin volunteered us for the smaller room. We had this TEENY room with two twin beds for us, a pack and play in between them, and a pack and play virtually in the closet. We all still give him grief about this. He maintains the position, "I was being nice." Amanda, Wayne, and Hunter had a lovely master bedroom that trip, for just the three of them! If we ever go back to that timeshare- it's our turn for the master! :-) LOL.
The 9 month beach trip was different in that the twins were eating baby food by that point. This trip was without Daddy, but with Aunt Nicole, my mom, and my step-dad. I decided to make things easier on everyone by organizing the food before the trip. I took gallon ziploc bags and labelled them breakfast, lunch, or dinner. I went ahead and filled each bag we would need with whatever jars of baby food, cereal, or bottle were needed complete with instructions on how much water, etc. to add to the bottles, spoons for feeding, and disposable bibs. This made things much easier, especially if my mom got up early with the kids and wanted to go ahead and feed them breakfast. Also, if we decided to go out for the day, I could just grab a lunch or dinner bag to throw in the diaper bag. It made it nice to not have to "think" each time we left what I needed. I also put all their clothes on top of the dresser seperated by child and outfits/PJs so clothes could also be grabbed by whoever, along with diapers and wipes. We had to add a highchair seat for each kid to the packing list. I also took one umbrella stroller and put the other baby in a hip sling, for easier manuevering through stores. All in all, it was another fun vacation.
I have found that when planning a trip anywhere with kids, whether it's a week long vacation or a day trip, it is best to plan ahead. I try to make a list so I don't forget anything- I will forget whatever's not written down. It's also extremely crucial to everyone's well-being to have plenty of snacks on hand for the kids in the car, and whenever you go anywhere. If their sugar drops because they are overly hungry- everyone is in big trouble!
For this upcoming vacation- I am very laid back in my packing approach. I have learned you can buy anything along the way! Recently we were out and about and Henry didn't have anymore milk. I actually had Dustin run in a convenience store and buy a jug of milk for him. It wasn't our fresh milk, but it calmed by upset boy. I allow myself grace when I forget an extra bottle instead of beating myself up like I might have when I was a new mom.
Space in our SUV is now at a premium, so I am packing extremely light and will buy what we need when I get there for the most part. If we run out of space, I may just grab a pack of diapers when I get there for Henry, or shampoo for everyone. I will see as space permits. We always immediately go to the grocery store anyway because we have to stock the fridge. I am for sure taking:
- pack and play for Henry
-sheets for all the beds
-towels & beach towels
-umbrella stroller
-clothes for everyone
-few toys/DVDs for kids
-swimsuits
-beach chairs/umbrella/sand toys
-toothbrushes/paste/deodorant/make-up/hairdryer
-lots of sunscreen
-my Kindle Fire
-cameras
-certain food items I'm not willing to compromise on for the week- fresh milk for Henry, organic cereal bars for the twins, Horizon milk singles for Emmy (not sure if I can find them there-and we plan to use juice boxes/milk boxes on the beach for simplicity's sake. She's my only one who likes the milk boxes for some reason), organic fruit leathers for snacks, maybe organic apples-I may give in and not pack these.....they ARE on the dirty dozen list though so we'll see.
Everything else is negotiable! I am not taking a high chair seat for Henry, as he does okay in a regular chair. I think we can manage for the week. I think our car will be packed to the brim with just these items!
I am really excited for the kids to see the ocean and see what they think! I hope they will want to stay the whole week-they are such homebodies.
I still need to pick up a few things- ocean shoes for Carson (we have them for Henry & Emmy), camoflage crocs for Dustin (he wants these for the sand), and I think I am going to splurge on those swim shirts for the kids. We got a teeny bit of sunburn at the lake in certain spots that apparently got missed when re-applying sunscreen. Well, Henry didn't, but the twins and I did. I always wear a t-shirt at the beach to keep off the sun, but the kids don't like swimming in shirts. Maybe they will if they are swimming shirts. I think Target and Walmart have them somewhat reasonably priced, but I may try the consignment shop first.
Anyway, we are well on our way to a great vacation! I miss having baby-babies....but I am loving this age too where they get SO excited about things and understand so much!
We last went to the beach when the twins were 6 months old, and again at 9 months. I have to say, I am MUCH more laid back now about planning vacation. Here are some tips that helped me though in the earlier days- in case you are a mom of multiples reading!
The 6 month trip was totally different from the 9 month trip for various reasons. At 6 months, the twins were still on solely formula for feedings. I packed all their bottles and formula, and water. We took their pack and plays for sleeping, a few toys and one exercauser, and that was it. It was pretty easy. Except on the actual beach, my Dad had to set up his huge tent we use for ball games to keep the babies in the shade. Still, it was pretty easy overall. Dustin was with me and actually kept them in the condo a lot for naps, etc. and let me get a few breaks to the pool/ocean alone. The funny thing was, when we got to the condo and were sorting out bedrooms, Dustin volunteered us for the smaller room. We had this TEENY room with two twin beds for us, a pack and play in between them, and a pack and play virtually in the closet. We all still give him grief about this. He maintains the position, "I was being nice." Amanda, Wayne, and Hunter had a lovely master bedroom that trip, for just the three of them! If we ever go back to that timeshare- it's our turn for the master! :-) LOL.
The 9 month beach trip was different in that the twins were eating baby food by that point. This trip was without Daddy, but with Aunt Nicole, my mom, and my step-dad. I decided to make things easier on everyone by organizing the food before the trip. I took gallon ziploc bags and labelled them breakfast, lunch, or dinner. I went ahead and filled each bag we would need with whatever jars of baby food, cereal, or bottle were needed complete with instructions on how much water, etc. to add to the bottles, spoons for feeding, and disposable bibs. This made things much easier, especially if my mom got up early with the kids and wanted to go ahead and feed them breakfast. Also, if we decided to go out for the day, I could just grab a lunch or dinner bag to throw in the diaper bag. It made it nice to not have to "think" each time we left what I needed. I also put all their clothes on top of the dresser seperated by child and outfits/PJs so clothes could also be grabbed by whoever, along with diapers and wipes. We had to add a highchair seat for each kid to the packing list. I also took one umbrella stroller and put the other baby in a hip sling, for easier manuevering through stores. All in all, it was another fun vacation.
I have found that when planning a trip anywhere with kids, whether it's a week long vacation or a day trip, it is best to plan ahead. I try to make a list so I don't forget anything- I will forget whatever's not written down. It's also extremely crucial to everyone's well-being to have plenty of snacks on hand for the kids in the car, and whenever you go anywhere. If their sugar drops because they are overly hungry- everyone is in big trouble!
For this upcoming vacation- I am very laid back in my packing approach. I have learned you can buy anything along the way! Recently we were out and about and Henry didn't have anymore milk. I actually had Dustin run in a convenience store and buy a jug of milk for him. It wasn't our fresh milk, but it calmed by upset boy. I allow myself grace when I forget an extra bottle instead of beating myself up like I might have when I was a new mom.
Space in our SUV is now at a premium, so I am packing extremely light and will buy what we need when I get there for the most part. If we run out of space, I may just grab a pack of diapers when I get there for Henry, or shampoo for everyone. I will see as space permits. We always immediately go to the grocery store anyway because we have to stock the fridge. I am for sure taking:
- pack and play for Henry
-sheets for all the beds
-towels & beach towels
-umbrella stroller
-clothes for everyone
-few toys/DVDs for kids
-swimsuits
-beach chairs/umbrella/sand toys
-toothbrushes/paste/deodorant/make-up/hairdryer
-lots of sunscreen
-my Kindle Fire
-cameras
-certain food items I'm not willing to compromise on for the week- fresh milk for Henry, organic cereal bars for the twins, Horizon milk singles for Emmy (not sure if I can find them there-and we plan to use juice boxes/milk boxes on the beach for simplicity's sake. She's my only one who likes the milk boxes for some reason), organic fruit leathers for snacks, maybe organic apples-I may give in and not pack these.....they ARE on the dirty dozen list though so we'll see.
Everything else is negotiable! I am not taking a high chair seat for Henry, as he does okay in a regular chair. I think we can manage for the week. I think our car will be packed to the brim with just these items!
I am really excited for the kids to see the ocean and see what they think! I hope they will want to stay the whole week-they are such homebodies.
I still need to pick up a few things- ocean shoes for Carson (we have them for Henry & Emmy), camoflage crocs for Dustin (he wants these for the sand), and I think I am going to splurge on those swim shirts for the kids. We got a teeny bit of sunburn at the lake in certain spots that apparently got missed when re-applying sunscreen. Well, Henry didn't, but the twins and I did. I always wear a t-shirt at the beach to keep off the sun, but the kids don't like swimming in shirts. Maybe they will if they are swimming shirts. I think Target and Walmart have them somewhat reasonably priced, but I may try the consignment shop first.
Anyway, we are well on our way to a great vacation! I miss having baby-babies....but I am loving this age too where they get SO excited about things and understand so much!
Thursday, June 6, 2013
A Day at the Lake-frugal family fun!
We spent Tuesday at the lake and it was so much fun! The kids had a blast, and I enjoyed it myself! Amanda, Hunter, my Mom, Nicole, and our family (minus Daddy) headed up to the lake Tuesday morning. We were a little bummed to see the sand was now mud because of the rain we've had. I mean, it was MUD! The kids were thrilled! Henry kept putting his head down in it, like he was going to flip over. His hair was caked in mud. The kids had a blast playing on the little play things in the water. Carson is still very conservative near the water, so he kept himself in ankle deep water and played trucks in the mud. Emilynn and Hunter had no fear- they wanted to swim across the lake I think. Henry played in the mud and got in the water a bit. It was a breezy day and I have to say, I enjoyed just sitting around visiting with my family! Very relaxing. It was also very inexpensive. We only paid $2 to park, then $7 to swim (total!). We did get ice cream when we were done, which was a nice treat. That was only $ 7 total as well. We packed a picnic lunch, but truly the kids weren't too interested in eating. The kids have not quit talking about the trip since we went, so I think it was a hit! It was kind of a trial run for the beach-haha! We laughed and said it was a "redneck" version of going to the beach, because we were truly in red mud instead of sand. Oh well, a fun memory! And I forgot the camera!! I have 3 pictures on my phone that Nicole took, and that's it. I will definitely take BOTH cameras to the beach!!!
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